Terrifying video: The horror of Crumlin Road Gaol a winner for Ardboe businessmen

Shauna Corr

Two Ardboe businessmen are celebrating after Crumlin Road Gaol took home the Best New Business title at this year’s Belfast Business Awards.

Kieran Quinn and Phelim Devlin, Managing Director of what is arguably Northern Ireland’s top tourist attraction, clinched the contract to run the venue in 2012 after a £14m government investment.

Ghost of a child captured at Crumlin Road Gaol

Since then, the business has gone from strength-to-strength offering haunted tours of the gaol’s ghostly halls after dark, dining experiences in the dungeons and cells and more recently the chance to get locked up for charity.

If their truly frightening tours of the former detention centre have the hairs standing on the back of your neck - you should also remember that the place really is haunted.

“We were delighted to be recognised in this category for Best New Business,” Kieran said.

“Our initial plan was to provide public guided tours of the gaol. Feedback has been fantastic and we’re currently voted as number one on Trip Advisor in things to do in Belfast.”

Since first offering tours of the 170-year-old prison, Kieran and his team have expanded the destination’s portfolio to offer state of the art conference, event and bar facilities where they now host paranormal tours and Live at the Crum concert events such as Jailhouse Rock.

“These events take place in the old gaol chapel,” Kieran added.

Crumlin Road gaol is open seven days a week for historic guided tours and if you think Rosie’s tour of the gaol halls last Halloween was frightening, you should see what they have in store this year.